Baltimore, January 28, 2026
The Food Lion CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championship Tournament is returning to Baltimore, showcasing the city’s dedication to celebrating Black collegiate athletics. Slated for February, this prestigious event at CFG Bank Arena will feature 22 championship matchups, numerous signature events, and community engagement activities designed to foster local spirit and collaboration.
Baltimore to Host 2026 Food Lion CIAA Basketball Tournament
Celebrating Black Excellence and Community Engagement
Baltimore, Maryland – The 2026 Food Lion CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championship Tournament is set to take place from February 24 to 28 at the CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore, Maryland. This landmark event marks the return of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) tournament to Baltimore, demonstrating the city’s resilience and commitment to celebrating over 80 years of history and legacy in Black collegiate athletics.
Local organizers are poised to deliver an enriching experience that highlights not only athletic achievement but also community engagement. With low barriers and effective collaboration among stakeholders, Baltimore is positioned to host this iconic tournament successfully. Those interested in fostering community spirit can eagerly look forward to a series of accompanying events while enjoying basketball at its best.
Event Details
- Dates: February 24–28, 2026
- Location: CFG Bank Arena, Baltimore, MD
- Games: 22 men’s and women’s championship matchups
- Broadcast: All games will be streamed exclusively on ESPN+, with championship games airing on ESPNU
Signature Events
Beyond the thrilling basketball matchups, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of signature events that celebrate culture and community:
- Fan Fest: A two-day celebration filled with entertainment, food, and cultural activities.
- Career Expo: Provides valuable networking opportunities for students and professionals to explore career paths.
- Education Day: Focuses on educational advancement and fostering greater community involvement.
- Step Shows and A-List Performances: Highlighting the rich cultural history of the HBCU community.
Community Engagement Initiatives
The CIAA is also introducing several community-centric initiatives that underscore the importance of literacy, local entrepreneurship, and engagement:
- Literacy Circle Championship: A friendly competition among Baltimore elementary schools to read the most books, rewarding the winning school with tickets to the championship game.
- Vendor Village: An inviting marketplace showcasing local businesses and artisans, enhancing the community experience during the tournament.
Ticket Information
Tickets for the 2026 Food Lion CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championship Tournament are currently available for purchase. Fans can also benefit from special promotions, such as the “BOOK WITH A BESTIE” ticket sale, which provides discounted rates for groups. To purchase tickets or obtain further information, visit the official CIAA Tournament website.
About the CIAA
Founded in 1912, the CIAA is recognized as the nation’s first and oldest historically Black athletic conference. Comprising 12 member institutions, the conference conducts 14 championships annually, attracting over 150,000 fans. The CIAA is committed to promoting academic excellence, athletic competition, and cultural enrichment within the HBCU community, emphasizing the positive impacts of collaboration and community leadership.
About Visit Baltimore
Visit Baltimore serves as the official sales and marketing resource for the City of Baltimore, generating economic benefits by attracting conventions, groups, and leisure visitors. In 2022, approximately 26.7 million individuals visited Baltimore, contributing a total of $3.7 billion to the local economy. Events like the CIAA tournament enhance those figures further, reflecting Baltimore’s potential as a vibrant gathering place.
Conclusion
The upcoming Food Lion CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championship Tournament firmly places Baltimore on the map as a destination for sportsmanship, culture, and community spirit. Attendees can look forward to a delightful mix of athleticism and celebratory events that showcase the essence of Baltimore’s rich heritage and vibrant community. We encourage all residents and visitors alike to support local initiatives and remain engaged in the continuous development of Baltimore MD’s cultural and civic landscape.
FAQ
- What is the 2026 Food Lion CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championship Tournament?
- The 2026 Food Lion CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championship Tournament is a collegiate basketball event featuring 22 men’s and women’s championship matchups, taking place from February 24 to 28, 2026, at the CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore, Maryland.
- What signature events are included in the tournament?
- The tournament will feature signature events such as Fan Fest, Career Expo, Education Day, Step Shows, and A-List Performances, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the HBCU community.
- How can fans purchase tickets for the tournament?
- Tickets for the tournament are available for purchase on the official CIAA Tournament website. Fans can also take advantage of special promotions, such as the “BOOK WITH A BESTIE” ticket sale, offering discounted rates for groups.
- What community initiatives are associated with the tournament?
- This year, the CIAA has introduced community-focused initiatives like the Literacy Circle Championship, a competition among Baltimore elementary schools to read the most books, with the winning school receiving tickets to the championship game, and the Vendor Village, a marketplace featuring local businesses and artisans.
- What is the CIAA?
- Founded in 1912, the CIAA is the nation’s first and oldest historically Black athletic conference, comprising 12 member institutions and conducting 14 championships attended by more than 150,000 fans annually, promoting academic excellence, athletic competition, and cultural enrichment within the HBCU community.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Dates | February 24–28, 2026 |
| Location | CFG Bank Arena, Baltimore, MD |
| Number of Games | 22 men’s and women’s championship matchups |
| Broadcast Information | All games streamed on ESPN+, championship games on ESPNU |
| Signature Events | Fan Fest, Career Expo, Education Day, Step Shows, A-List Performances |
| Community Initiatives | Literacy Circle Championship, Vendor Village |
| Ticket Information | Available for purchase on the official CIAA Tournament website, with special promotions like the “BOOK WITH A BESTIE” ticket sale |
| About the CIAA | Founded in 1912, the CIAA is the nation’s first and oldest historically Black athletic conference, comprising 12 member institutions and conducting 14 championships attended by more than 150,000 fans annually |
| About Visit Baltimore | Visit Baltimore is the official sales and marketing arm for the City of Baltimore, generating economic benefits through the attraction of convention, group, and leisure visitors |
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Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
